“Well, you have lived most of your life in France….” Her eyes twinkled.
“To be fair, she has a point,” Essie said.
“No, she doesn’t. If anything, my time in France has given me a superior edge over you backward Englishmen… and women.”
His words were greeted by howls of outrage. Cam lobbed a sprig of greenery from the centerpiece at him. Rory caught it and tucked it into his lapel.
The first name he pulled out was Lord Sinclair, who selected a gift that turned out to be an embroidered handkerchief. This he had to keep, unless it was taken by another.
Rory watched the mayhem unfold around him as more gifts were selected.
Cam stole Lord Braithwaite’s toffee, which he’d tried to hide under his chair, and Dorrie stole Samantha’s book, which was the latest adventures of Miss Vessy and Captain Lark. She was not pleased.
“I think that’s entirely too shabby of you!” Samantha declared.
“Oh please, you’ll read it after me anyway,” Dorrie said, unperturbed. “Stop being dramatic.”
“Are you enjoying the spectacle?”
Rory dragged his eyes from Cam, who was now attempting to defend his toffee from Warwick, to look at Kate. He’d been aware of her beside him the entire time. Known when she moved and laughed.
“It’s interesting.”
“They are all part of you.” Her eyes were suddenly solemn. “Surely you see that you belong here.”
“It’s not that simple. I have a life in France.”
She looked at him as if she could read every thought in his head. See his turmoil and indecision.
“But perhaps one day you could live here with us… me.”
He could lose himself in those eyes. She felt something for him, just as he did her.
“Kate, I—”
“It is your turn, Rory.”
James dragged his attention from Kate. Rory reached for the gift closest to him, a small, red silk bag. Opening it, he found a small sampler. Taking it out, he unrolled it and read the words. His throat went dry.
“Read them out loud, Uncle Rory!” Isabella called from down the table.
Dear God!
“Go on, it can’t be that bad,” Cam urged him.
“Ah.” He had to clear his throat. “Having someone to love is family. Having somewhere to go is home. Having both is a blessing.”
“Oh now, that’s lovely,” the duchess said. “I wonder who could have made it.”
But Rory knew, because he heard her gasp when he’d picked up the present. Kate had done this, and he’d received it.
“Rory, I—”
“I will return shortly.” Pushing back his chair, Rory headed for the door.
“All is well, brother?” Max intercepted him.
“Of course. Excuse me.”
